Eamon Dunphy says Shay Given should not reverse his decision to retire from international football

Updated / Wednesday, 16 Jan 2013 15:37

By Micil Glennon

RTÉ soccer analyst Eamon Dunphy has accused goalkeeper Shay Given of an unforgivable ‘crime’ by playing for Ireland during the European Championships while unfit.

36-year-old Given, who retired from international duty after the summer tournament in Poland, where Ireland conceded nine goals in three games, confirmed at the weekend that he has made himself available for selection to Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni.

But Dunphy told RTÉ’s Sport At 7 that it is time to move on with Sunderland sub goalkeeper Keiren Westwood.

“[Given is] not in the Villa team and I think we have to be respectful of Westwood, who is the number one goalkeeper,” he said.

“I think Given looked overweight and was clearly unfit during the European Championships. I don’t think that’s a forgivable crime. I wouldn’t have him."

Despite Aston Villa dropping into the Premier League relegation zone, Given has been out of favour with boss Paul Lambert, making just two league appearances so far this season.

Westwood has also been sitting on the bench at Sunderland, making just three appearances in total, all coming in the league cup.

Current Ireland second-choice David Forde has played 21 games for Millwall in the npower Championship.

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